Report: Newcastle are now in talks to stop West Ham signing 25-year-old ‘superstar’

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For a long time it looked like West Ham United were the favourites sign Harvey Barnes, but now Newcastle United appear to be leading the way.

Barnes is set to leave Leicester City this summer, and it was reported in early June that the Hammers were front of the queue to snap up the 25-year-old winger.

They are going to have cash to splash soon, with Declan Rice set to join Arsenal for £105million. It looked like some of that money would go towards signing Barnes, and he continues to be linked with a move to West Ham.

However, now Newcastle are back in the mix, and have overtaken David Moyes’ side. The Magpies are suddenly leading the race, and have now joined West Ham at the negotiating table.

Newcastle open talks with Leicester over Harvey Barnes transfer

According to 90min, Newcastle are in talks with Leicester over a deal for Barnes. The report states that West Ham are also still in discussions with the Foxes.

It is certainly an interesting battle between the Magpies and the Hammers, who also face competition from Aston Villa. However, it sounds like Tottenham Hotspur won’t formalise their interest.

If it boils down to a choice between Newcastle and West Ham, arguments could be made for both.

Joining West Ham would give Barnes the chance to live in London, which is apparently appealing. He would also be able to play in Europe, with Moyes’ side qualifying for the Europa League due to winning the Conference League.

They are also more likely to spend more cash on Barnes, due to the Rice money they are set to receive. And at the end of the day, Leicester aren’t bothered where he goes – they will simply sell him to the highest bidder.

But Newcastle have the lure of Champions League football. That is something that Barnes has not experienced in his career, and might never if he misses the chance to sign for the Magpies this summer.

He was previously tipped to become a ‘superstar‘, and that will be more likely if he joins Newcastle. He will be able to see how the likes of Joelinton, Joe Willock, Sean Longstaff and Miguel Almiron have all improved under Howe’s guidance.

Working with the Toon boss would make him a better player, and in turn potentially make Newcastle a better team.